Last week, the Allahabad High Court directed the Uttar Pradesh state government to contemplate establishing an insurance scheme for lawyers representing the state, encompassing appearances before the High Court and throughout the state. The directive came from a bench comprising Justice Rajan Roy and Justice Om Prakash Shukla, urging the state government to submit an affidavit regarding this matter within four weeks.
The Court also issued notices to the Oudh Bar Association, represented by its General Secretary, and the UP Bar Council, represented by its Secretary, along with the Principal Secretary, Law/Legal Remembrancer, UP.
The Court’s attention was drawn to this matter during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by practicing High Court advocate Hari Prasad Gupta. The PIL highlighted the case of State Law Officer Neeraj Chaurasia, who was critically injured in a road accident and is currently undergoing treatment at Max Super Specialty Hospital’s neuro-surgery department. The plea emphasized Chaurasia’s need for financial support due to the significant expenses incurred for his treatment.
During the proceedings, Advocate RD Shahi, the newly elected President of the Oudh Bar Association, informed the Court that a maximum financial assistance of Rs. 1,00,000/- had been disbursed to Chaurasia’s family members to meet the medical expenses. Shahi clarified that this disbursement was in accordance with established rules and regulations.
However, upon the Court’s suggestion of framing an insurance scheme for such incidents, Shahi informed the bench that the matter would be considered during an Executive Council meeting.
On behalf of the State Government, Additional Advocate General Kuldeep Pati Tripathi informed the bench that there currently exists no insurance or group insurance scheme for State lawyers. However, he mentioned that an oral request had been made to the Chief Minister’s Secretariat to consider releasing funds under the Chief Minister’s discretionary quota.
The Court urged the State Government to expedite consideration of financial assistance for Chaurasia’s treatment and called upon members of the Bar, especially senior members, to extend support to Chaurasia or his family members as much as possible.
Recognizing the significance of the issue concerning lawyers, particularly State Law Officers, the Court decided to address the matter further in the upcoming proceedings scheduled for August 2024. It directed the state government to submit an affidavit regarding the proposed insurance scheme.
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